Research

Seed plays a critical role determining the agricultural productivity for millions of smallholder farmers in Malawi, because seed, together with environment, determines the upper limit of crop yields and the productivity of all other agricultural inputs on the farm. Improving the genetic and physical properties of seed can result yield increases and would lead to improvements in agricultural production and food security. In order for seed to act as a catalyst in agricultural transformation, however, improved seed has to be made available to smallholder farmers on sustainable basis.

Every year Demeter plants trials at various locations in Malawi in order to determine what varieties perform best under specific local conditions. Only the best are selected for seed increase for supply to the farmers of Malawi.